Lectio Divina:
This explanation of Lectio Divina falls short of its real meaning, because the process is best understood by experience. Just one meeting of half-an-hour would provide you with a clearer understanding. Lectio Divina (Latin for divine reading) is a traditional Benedictine practice oc scriptural reading, meditation and prayer. The purpose of this approach is intended to promote communion with God and to increase the knowledge of God’s word. The process is a slow, contemplative praying of the scriptures which enables the Bible, the Word of God, to become a means of union with God. Time is set aside in a special way to enable you to discover God in your everyday life as well as an understanding of spiritual rhythm in your life. You will discover the ability to offer more of yourself in a relationship with God. You will gradually learn to listen deeply and to “hear with your heart” the voice of God.
There is a requirement for us to become quiet in order to hear God’s word, and in our stressful contemporary life, this is a wonderful antidote for coping with and managing stress. It is a way of finding time to be still, calm and peaceful. There are four steps to Lectio Divina:
Step 1. Reverential listening – this means listening with both the spirit of silence and awe.
Step 2: Meditation of the word to allow God’s Word to touch us.
Step 3: To think of this word in our lives.
Step 4: To rest in the presence of God’s word.
Lectio Divina can be practiced in whatever time is available and in any setting. You can practice it on your own any time you like. It can take two minutes or as long as you want to make it to take. If you wish you can carry a word, image or phrase with you and leave the door of your mind open to God.
The Prayer Group will re-convene after the summer break on Wednesday, 9th September, at All Saints following the 7.30 evening Mass. The meeting will take just 30 minutes of your time. Come and encounter the peace of Christ!